Young mango leaves are a highly valued source of food and natural medicine in many parts of the world. Have you ever used them?We are all familiar with the fruit of the deliciously juicy Mango (Mangifera indica) from the subtropical and tropical plant originally from India. It is the national fruit of India, Pakistan and the Philippines and the national tree of Bangladesh. Almost half of the world production of mango is in India. There the mango leaves are considered auspicious and are commonly used to decorate front doors during festivals. Everyone I know loves eating mango and looks forward to mango season. I grew up in a cooler climate so have always considered this an exquisite and exotic fruit to be savoured.I was surprised when I first learned that in some parts of the world, people enjoy eating green mango and even more surprised when I heard about the many uses of mango leaves. I had been unwittingly walking past a huge source of food and medicine for years. I started to question this potential when one of my mango trees, a dwarf mango, was damaged by frost leaving only the stock which doesn't fruit. I had contemplated removing it, then decided to look further into the uses for the leaf. The young ones in particular look abundant, soft and healthy.

Here are just some of the ways I found people use mango leaves.

Food

In South East Asia, the young leaves of mango trees are cooked and eaten as a leafy green. They are rich in vitamins C, B and A and contain anti-oxidants.

Bathing

Bathe in mango leaf water to relax and refresh, reduce anxiety and nervousness

Mouthwash

Make a strong tea from the old leaves and rinse your mouth for good gum health and to ease mouth ulcers.

Burn relief

Apply mango leaf ashes to burnt skin to soothe and relieve.

Medicine

Make a tea from the young leaves.

Manage diabetes. Soak young leaves overnight in a cup of water and drink to relieve the symptoms of diabetes

Help strengthen blood vessels and lower blood pressure

Improve breathing. Mango leaf decoction helps people with bronchitis and asthma. Add some honey and use a cough mixture.

Note: Some people are sensitive to mango skins, leaves, bark. If you are one of these people, sorry this post is not for you!A NEW WAY OF PERMACULTURE EDUCATION...Do you want to learn more about growing an abundant food garden simply?Join the Our Permaculture Life Membership Community for around $1 a day. There's a monthly program of new information available inside the Community Hub and I'll be checking in every day with the community to discuss ideas and answer questions. Click the link below to find out more.

THE INCREDIBLE EDIBLE GARDEN Online CourseFor a practical step by step guide to setting up an Incredible Edible Garden, take my six module online course. Take it at your own pace and when you can. Join this class or receive it free when you sign up for an annual subscription of the Membership Community.